1Peter 3:15, says “15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, AND ALWAYS BE READY to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”
One day, two JW’s (Jehovah witnesses) visited our home. My wife and I gave them an opportunity to share about their faith and why they believe what they believe. After they were done, having known some of their positions especially on who Jesus is, we took time to ask them tough questions about their worldview and in that process also shared the gospel with them. We now pray that the Holy Spirit will awaken them, convict them and lead them to the true light.
I often ask people these two questions, “what do you believe” and “why do you believe what you believe”. People often don’t know how to answe these questions–I was no different a few years back. 1Peter 3:15, says “15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, AND ALWAYS BE READY to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”
The use of “defense” in 1Peter 3:15 is general: Whether formally in an official setting or informally to anyone who might inquire, a believer is to be ready to provide an answer. That answer is about “the hope that is in you,” which is the Christian faith. Believers should be able to give a rational explanation of their salvation and Christian faith. If you can’t stand for something, it will be easy to fall for anything. We have to be the ones to influence because we have the truth or else we will be influenced which will draw us away from the truth.
Mark 13:22 and Matthew 24:24, 22, says “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” What is interesting is that, we will run into people who are in cults who will seem to speak the same language as we do, use the same words and even feel like they are one of us. It’s in the probing that you find that you mean different things. For example we could all say we know John but the moment we begin to describe the John we are talking about, we discover they are not the same. That is why you as a believer ought to be ready with God’s word to know what you believe, why, and be able to defend your belief. Mark and Matthew tell us that “false christs … will rise,” we don’t have to wait for them to arise, they are already here proclaimed by others, it’s the christ not revealed in the Holy Scriptures. Paul fireproofed his son in the faith Timothy by admonishing him with this words, 2Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH”. Timothy was going to be faced by people who preached another gospel that appeared real. Paul even mentioned two of those people in this chapter. He told Timothy “rightly divide the word of truth” which is an indication of some who will come and wrongly bisect God’s word making it appear real. Timothy was to be ready at all times to defend the faith.
1Corinthians 3:11, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”. We must truly know this foundation and build our lives on it. We must also know those who pervert this foundation and not embrace all who name the name of Christ in talking of false christs. 2Timothy 2:19, “…the solid foundation of God stands”, this is the true foundation that cannot be shaken, the foundation to bring other’s too.
If someone was to come to you and ask you about what you believe and why you believe what you believe, are you ready to fulfill 1Peter 3:15? Let us be ready, let God’s word fireproof us for the coming days to not be deceived. In addition, let’s not shy away from those of other faith, they need to hear the truth. God’s truth will set them free from all lies of the enemy John 8:32. blessings Ev
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